Viscosity build
Adjusts low-, mid-, and high-shear viscosity depending on grade — supports target KU/ICI profiles.
Product Specialty Additives
Rheology Modifier (HEC)
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) thickener for water-based formulations — provides viscosity control, suspension stability, flow adjustment, and anti-sag performance in paints, coatings, adhesives, and compatible industrial systems.
Packaging: 25 kg bags (typical) • export packing on request
Documentation: SDS / TDS / COA on request
Multiple viscosity grades for different paint/coating targets
For fastest grade matching, share your formulation type (interior/exterior paint, texture coating, adhesive, cleaner), desired KU/ICI viscosity targets, and your dispersing method.
What HEC does in water-based systems
HEC is a non-ionic cellulose ether used as a thickener and rheology modifier. It helps build viscosity, stabilize dispersed pigments/fillers, reduce settling, and tune flow/leveling. Because it is non-ionic, it is generally compatible with many surfactants and binders used in water-based formulations (final compatibility is system-dependent).
Suspension stability
Helps keep pigments and fillers suspended, reducing settling and improving storage stability.
Application control
Supports sag resistance, spatter control, and consistent roller/brush feel in paints and coatings.
Selection logic
Pick grade primarily by viscosity/molecular weight and desired flow curve (KU/ICI), plus the dispersion method and the presence of co-thickeners.
Applications
Typical usage patterns. Share your binder (acrylic/VAE/styrene-acrylic), pigment volume concentration, and target viscosity, and we’ll align the right grade.
- Architectural paints: KU build, roller feel, anti-sag
- Texture coatings: structure control and suspension support
- Pigment slurries: stabilization and flow control
- Water-based adhesives: viscosity adjustment and application consistency (system-dependent)
- Industrial water-based formulations: thickening and settling reduction
How it’s typically added
Pre-dispersed in water (often with controlled addition) or added into the grind stage to avoid lumping.
What it improves
Flow curve, storage stability, application feel, and visual uniformity (depending on system design).
What to watch
Hydration method, shear conditions, and pH/salt sensitivity in some systems — match grade to your process.
Grade selection & performance levers
HEC grades are typically differentiated by viscosity/molecular weight and surface treatment. These choices influence hydration speed, thickening efficiency, spatter, leveling, and sag behavior.
Low viscosity grades
Often used for modest thickening, improved flow, and stabilization without heavy body build.
Medium viscosity grades
Balanced body and application feel; common in architectural coatings and many general water-based systems.
High viscosity grades
Higher body build and sag resistance; useful in texture coatings and high-build systems (process dependent).
Formulation note
HEC is often used with associative thickeners (HEUR/HASE) to tune mid/high-shear viscosity, spatter, and leveling.
Typical specifications & formats
Values depend on grade and customer requirements. Confirm details on quotation and supplied COA/TDS.
Product type
Cellulose ether (Hydroxyethyl cellulose / HEC)
Appearance
White to off-white powder (grade dependent)
Viscosity (typical)
Multiple grades available (low/medium/high). Specify target KU/ICI or reference grade.
Moisture
Controlled moisture content per grade; confirm on COA.
pH (solution)
Typically near-neutral in solution (grade dependent); confirm on TDS for the quoted grade.
Packaging
25 kg bags (typical), palletized; export packing options available on request.
If you require tight viscosity windows or specific testing standards, request a pre-approval COA and agreed test conditions.
Handling & storage
Store in a cool, dry area in sealed original packaging. Protect from humidity to maintain flow and prevent lumping. Use standard dust-control measures during handling.
Moisture protection
Keep sealed; re-seal opened bags promptly. Avoid direct exposure to humid air.
Dispersion
Follow a controlled hydration method to avoid fisheyes/lumps; share your process for grade guidance.
Quality control
COA available per batch; align viscosity test conditions for repeatability.
Request a quotation
Send your application and target viscosity profile and we’ll respond with a grade-matched proposal and commercial offer.
- Application (paint/coating/adhesive/slurry/cleaner)
- Target viscosity (KU/ICI) + your method
- Monthly volume + packaging (25 kg bags typical)
- Destination + documents required (SDS/COA/TDS)
If you have a current HEC grade, share viscosity, hydration behavior, and whether you need better leveling, less spatter, or stronger sag control.